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Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

A moist and sweet carrot cake featuring grated carrots, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple drained (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat together the oil and granulated sugar until combined. Then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple (if using), along with nuts, if desired.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting and Assembly
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and creamy.
  2. Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Serving
  1. Slice, serve, and watch as smiles spread around the room with each delectable bite!

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best texture. Feel free to experiment with add-ins like raisins or shredded coconut. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. Check for doneness early to avoid overbaking.